It takes tremendous skill, patience, and self-awareness to show up fully for our guests, to manage our mindset and energy so that we are giving the appropriate level of service based on the occasion, and to display an authentic level of interest and care for their experience. From birthdays and business deals, to wedding proposals and wakes, servers hold space for it all. Doing this full time, 5x a week, and for guests with varying agendas is very challenging. This is why having a daily routine of self-care before your shift is so critical. It will help you stay fresh and open, and it will save you from burnout and cynicism.